New videos by local, emerging artists

SAW Video is proud to present the premiere of six new videos produced by emerging, local video artists:

ROB THOMAS

JOCELYN FORMSMA

MACKENZIE MACBRIDE

MEGAN TURNBULL

GUILLAUME LOSLIER-PINARD

SUSANNAH HEATH-EVES

This screening marks the culmination of the inaugural edition of SAW Video’s new JumpstART Mentorship Program for emerging artists. First established in the 1980’s, the JumpstART grant is SAW Video’s longest standing grants program. It was expanded in 2009 into a revamped mentorship program aimed at connecting artists new to video with SAW Video’s community of independent video makers.

Selected in June 2009, the six successful applicants worked with mentors who advised them throughout the production process and, with the help of equipment and training at the centre, completed their first professional video work.

After a year of hard work and dedication, the 2009 JumpstART artists have produced a line up of impressive short works comprised of visually rich animation, inventive and engaging dramas, and inquiring documentaries about issues close to home. These videos will see their premiere in Ottawa at Club SAW on May 20, 2010 at 7pm.

The JumpstART Mentorship Program is offered every year to artists new to the medium of video. The annual deadline is May 1st. For more information on this and SAW Video’s range of production support grants, visit www.sawvideo.com

SAW Video’s JumpstART Mentorship program is supported through operating grants received from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Ottawa.

JumpstART Artists:

Rob Thomas has worked as a barista, a bookstore clerk, a home builder, a magazine editor and as a reporter with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Rob is a freelance journalist who holds a master of journalism degree from Carleton University. Lynnwood is his second short format documentary and his first independent production.

Jocelyn Formsma is a student at the University of Ottawa studying nothing that remotely relates to video production. However, a secret desire to make movies drew Jocelyn to submit an application for the JumpstART program. She has made two previous short videos with the Oshkaatisak Youth Council in Thunder Bay, but “Mya’s Choice” is her first piece of work that she has written and directed on her own. She is originally from Northern Ontario and would like to continue to learn more about the art of filmmaking, screenplay writing and directing.

Musician and writer Mackenzie MacBride describes herself as an "Outsider Music Diarist." Her "Heart Music" touches on the genres of Alternative Country, Torch and Rock Opera. With her special splash of NYC kitsch and pinch of Nova Scotia sea salt, Mackenzie is making music to encourage people to celebrate their uniqueness, and to see the beauty in the bizarre, not to try be somebody in an arts scene. Mackenzie has released numerous music albums, including "An Outsider's Heart". As well, she has written three chap books of poetry and directed several music videos, including, "Believe In Love”. She has performed across Canada, and at major music festivals, including Pop Montreal and Pride Toronto.

Armed with her creativity, expanding technical know-how, and determination, Megan Turnbull will set out to conquer any design challenge. After leaving her hometown of Winnipeg last June, Megan has been busy meeting the citizens of Ottawa, engaging them in "Paper Play Soirée" evenings; where they worked to build the sets and objects in EVOLUcity. Prior to her artistic pursuits Megan worked as a Landscape Architect, and continues to work as a graphic and motion designer. She has recently been selected to participate in the "NFB Hot House" artist's residency, and will be making a paper animation in stereoscopic 3D. In addition to these projects Megan still makes time for more serious pursuits, like hula hooping and attempting to read minds.

Guillaume Loslier-Pinard studied in written media. After his studies, he left the country. He has been a chimney sweeper with gypsies in Paris, a teacher in Thailand and a camel breeder, among other things. Now back in Canada, he is working on artistic projects.

Susannah Heath-Eves is originally from Calgary but has spent the last 10 years in Ottawa. After graduating from Carleton University with a masters specializing in broadcast journalism, she spent a year at CBC Radio and Television as a reporter and associate producer. As Susannah makes the transition from journalist to filmmaker, her goal is to shed light on social issues while creating a rich cinematic experience. She encourages all filmmakers to work with their grandmothers.